Preview: Revs renew rivalry against DC United at home

Two long-time Eastern Conference rivals meet for the first time this season when the New England Revolution entertain D.C. United on Saturday afternoon at Gillette Stadium. The Revolution saw their two-game winning run come to an end in cruel fashion last week, in a late 1-0 loss at FC Dallas. United extended their unbeaten streak to three games following back-to-back season-opening defeats, in a scoreless draw at home with Seattle Sounders FC.

The New England Revolution nearly came away with a third consecutive result, but instead saw all three points snatched at the death by FC Dallas in a 1-0 Thursday at FC Dallas Stadium. The Revolution are in a three-way tie for third place in the Eastern Conference with 6 points from 5 games.

HIGHLIGHTS: Dallas stun New England late

LAST MATCH

The game's only goal came five minutes into second-half stoppage time. Zach Loyd placed a perfect ball from a free kick into the left side of the box and center back Ugo Ihemelu took advantage, rising to nod the ball past Revs 'keeper Matt Reis for the winner.

Revolution head coach Jay Heaps made one change to the team that took a 3-1 win against the LA Galaxy at The Home Depot Center. Florian Lechner started at right back in place of Kevin Alston.

The Revolution completed their two-game road swing with a third loss in four games overall away from Gillette Stadium.

"It is a tough way for the game to finish. It felt like we played well enough to get at least something out of the game whether it was a draw or three points. At the end of the game, we got ahead of ourselves a little with the momentum and we just couldn't keep up," said Revolution head coach Jay Heaps.

The Revolution haven't won three consecutive games in league play since Aug. 20-29, 2009. "It's tough that we played well. We really came out especially in the second half and played tough," said midfielder Kelyn Rowe. "We created some chances that unfortunately we couldn't put away. We slipped up for five seconds and they did well to score a goal."

"We definitely did not play our best game. We were a little bit off and we were not as cohesive as we needed to be," said goalkeeper Matt Reis. "That being said, it was 0-0 at halftime. We came out in the second half and really turned it up a notch. We had them on their back foot for most of the second half. Unfortunately, we didn't do the right things at the end of the game."

After getting three goals in the win against the LA Galaxy, the Revolution maintained their same team, with Ryan Guy again partnering Saer Sene in attack.

"[Heaps] made no adjustments position-wise or anything like that. He came in (and said) ëYou guys are doing all right, just keep your heads up and let's go out there and give them what we know we have. We saw it against L.A. We saw it against Portland. We need to see it again here and tonight.' And we did," said midfielder Kelyn Rowe.

The Revolution will be without captain and midfielder Shalrie Joseph, after he was suspended for one match following a ruling by the MLS Disciplinary Committee, after a reckless challenge in the 62nd minute of the FCD match that endangered the safety of his opponent.

Florian Lechner made the first start of his MLS career, coming in at right back. Lechner had made his league debut the week before, coming on at halftime vs. LA when Kevin Alston suffered a hamstring injury.

D.C. UNITED

D.C. United extended their unbeaten streak to three games, taking a point in a scoreless draw with Seattle Sounders FC on Saturday evening at RFK Stadium. United are in sixth place in the Eastern Conference with 5 points from 5 games.

HIGHLIGHTS: DC hold Seattle scoreless in draw

LAST MATCH

Former United player Marc Burch then nearly stole the show for Seattle in stoppage time. A shot from outside the box was punched away by D.C. goalkeeper Joe Willis, but the ball fell to Burch six yards from goal. Although the substitute made good contact, his header smacked off the bar.

Willis was called upon to make two saves in the shutout, while Sounders FC goalkeeper Michael Gspurning was credited with four saves for the game.

United head coach Ben Olsen made one change to the team that came away with a 4-1 win against FC Dallas at RFK Stadium. Dejan Jakovic came into central defense for the suspended Brandon McDonald.

United were aiming to win back-to-back games in league play for the first time since 2009. While shut out for a third time this season, United have taken points from two of those games - the scoreless draw with Seattle Sounders FC was their second of the year.

"I thought we could have snuck the win. It was one of those games where if we're a little sharper in the final third, I think we come out of here with three [points]," said United head coach Ben Olsen.

Dejan Jakovic returned to central defense in place of the suspended Brandon McDonald after missing the last two matches.

"He stepped in and did well to be vocal," Robbie Russell said of Jakovic. "What we wanted from him was a big, physical presence and he showed that. He did a great job." Said goalkeeper Joe Willis: "I think [Emiliano Dudar] and [Jakovic] did really well shutting down their two up top. I think the back four frustrated them, and it showed."

There was another change forced in the back four when Chris Korb came on for Russell in the final quarter-hour for emergency duty at right back.

"It's a little bit nerve-wracking to jump into a game like that," Korb said. "I was kind of cold, but our trainers do a great job warming us up on the sidelines. You just have to get into it as fast as you can and just finish the game out." Added Willis: "It's definitely hard to be called on when you are not expecting it. But Chris is a great defender and a great player in general."

Nick DeLeon started and played the full match on the left side of midfield, taking a team-high three shots. Danny Cruz started on the opposite flank, coming off just before the hour.

"Their outside backs were staying high on us - me and Danny - but that shouldn't have anything to do with [the final result] because we are a good enough team to play through the middle," said DeLeon. "Like I said, it was one of those games where it was run-and-gun, it wasn't possession-style. There were some tired legs out there."

Olsen first two substitutions were attacking-minded, with Chris Pontius coming on for Cruz - his third consecutive substitute appearance - and Branko Boskovic coming on for Hamdi Salihi in his fourth consecutive match off the bench.

"[Pontius] brought us a little soccer, as well as some energy. Branko [Boskovic], I thought did a good job as well coming on and slowing the game down and making sure we are passing, and possession was better," said Olsen. "I wanted to get one more in, but Robbie [Russell] came out with a little bit of an [injured] ankle. [Chris] Korb came in and did a good job."